The Raising Children Network website has been created by a consortium that is made up of an extensive network of services, including the Government. The information is up to date and current. One of the best websites around for information and tips for families and children.

Playgroup is for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and their parents or caregivers. Around 50,000 children from 40,000 families go to playgroup in all corners of Victoria at community venues such as maternal and child health centres, kindergartens, halls, community centres, primary schools and aged care facilities.

Anaphylaxis Australia Inc. is a charitable, non-profit organisation established in 1993 to support and assist those affected by anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis Australia Inc. (AAI) is dedicated to assisting individuals and their carers in the management of anaphylaxis. AAI’s aim is to enable them to cope with everyday life whilst minimising risk to their health and wellbeing. Anaphylaxis Australia strives to raise awareness of life threatening allergy in the community and provides science-based information, resources and services to support children and adults living with anaphylaxis.

SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth infancy and childhood. We deliver on our vision through world class research; evidence based education and bereavement support and advocacy.

Early Childhood Australia is the peak early childhood advocacy organisation, acting in the interests of young children, their families and those in the early childhood field.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is Australia's largest breastfeeding information and support service. Breastfeeding is a practical, learned skill and ABA help more than 80,000 mothers each year. ABA also provides up-to-date information and continuing education for thousands of health professionals working with mothers and babies.

ABA was founded in 1964 by six Melbourne mothers as the Nursing Mothers' Association, with the aim of helping and supporting other mothers to breastfeed. This mother-to-mother support continues today. Our 1,100 volunteer breastfeeding counsellors and educators are mothers who have breastfed their own child(ren) and completed a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education.

Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) is the regional women’s health service for the Southern Metropolitan Region. WHISE aims to improve the health and well-being of women in the Southern Metropolitan Region within a Social Model of Health and within a feminist perspective.

Bunurong Health Services & DDACL was initially established by families in the local area who met in their homes to discuss the need for support for the growing Aboriginal community. The service has adapted over time to meet the changing needs of local Aboriginal people. Today, Bunurong offers a great range of services for children and families.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) funds programs provided by Specialist Children's Services teams and Early Childhood Intervention agencies to support children and their families. All families need support, from preschool and child care through to specialist services to address their children's individual needs. Early Childhood Intervention Services support children with a disability or developmental delay, from birth to school entry, and their families.

Early Childhood Intervention Australia ECIA(VIC) is Victoria's peak body representing professionals and organisations that provide services for young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families.

We lead, strengthen and promote the sector by:

·Influencing policy

·Promoting quality services

·Providing and promoting professional development

·Building collective wisdom and knowledge

·Promoting and disseminating research

·Building community awareness

·Developing linkages with other relevant organisations

The ultimate aim is to have positive outcomes for professionals, children and families.

The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre is a not-for-profit community based agency, operating since 1993. The Centreprovides services to migrants and refugees living in the southern region of Melbourne, covering the local government areas of City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia and surrounding areas. Consultation with the community regularly takes place to learn about their various client needs and issues. The centre provides support, information and consultation to committees, groups and meetings at local, regional, State and Commonwealth levels. Support and assistance is provided to new and emerging community groups and office accommodation and the use of facilities is provided.

The Family Relationship Centre aims to strengthen family relationships and provide support where separation occurs and new relationships form. Assistance is available for families at all stages of their relationship cycles, to achieve and maintain positive relationships whether the family resides together or not.

Centrelink provides support and services to a wide range of customers to assist them through times of major change.

AMES is the largest provider of English language and Settlement services in Victoria, in addition to being a major supplier of specialist employment and training services in Melbourne.

The Queen Elizabeth Centre provides practical support, education and advice to help parents develop skills to confidently manage the challenges of early parenthood. It may be a concern about a baby’s wakeful days and nights, problems with breast feeding, a toddler refusing to eat, behaviour difficulties, how parents may feel about themselves or others, the possible development of postnatal depression or concerns about how to properly care for a child.

The Noah's Ark Specialist Equipment Program (SET) provides equipment for loan to child care services, building on their capacity to include children with high physical support needs.

Hanover is a leading agency that provides a wide range of services to people experiencing homelessness or housing crisis. It is totally independent having no structural links with churches, institutions or governments and was established in 1964.

Eastern Health is one of Melbourne's largest metropolitan public health services. We provide a range of emergency, medical and general healthcare services to Melbourne's diverse eastern community. Find out more about us

Eastern Health provides services to more than 800,000 people across a geographic area of 2800 square kilometres. Geographically we cover the municipalities of Boroondara, Whitehorse, Manningham, Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges. See our locations

Visit Eastern Health for further information and resources on cue cards for children - in many different languages.

Greater Dandenong Community Health Service collaborates with individuals, communities and organisations to enhance the health independence and wellbeing of the diverse and most vulnerable community members with a particular focus on ensuring access for those with or at risk of poorest health status and those most in need.

Programs seek to enhance illness prevention, provide early intervention and improve general wellness and are delivered across three locations – two in Dandenong and one in Springvale.

Mental Health Support There are several services, programs and activities that children and families can get involved in to support the family when help is needed. The south east region offers support through a variety of agencies, health professionals and support groups.

Itsallright is a website where you can read the diaries of four teenagers, based on real stories, as they deal with the challenge of living with mental illness in their family. It also has useful Factsheets and Podcasts and provides an online information and referral service on mental illness including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders.

SANE Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life – through campaigning, education and research.

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Proudly Supported by Communities for Children in partnership with members of the Children's & Families Partnership (2010). The Communities for Children Dandenong initiative is supported by the Australian Government.